Friday, 24 June 2011

Talk Is Cheap, It's Action That Matters

Below is the text from a number of emails that I have exchanged with the Labour Party TD for Dublin North East Sean Kenny. The emails relate to the proposed scrapping of overtime and Sunday pay for some of the lowest paid and marginalised workers in Irish society, particularly affecting women, migrant workers and students. I had asked the Labour Party TD to do all he could to protect the the pay and conditions of these workers, and he initially said that he supported my stance on the issue. However, when I asked him which way he had voted on the ULA motion on the matter, he informed me that he had voted against it and with the government. This type of double-speak perfectly illustrates that talk from Labour Party TD's is cheap, and it's action that matters. I am also including the tally count which shows how each TD voted on that ULA motion below my email correspondence with Sean Kenny TD. I would encourage all to contact their local Labour TD and ask them why they voted against the motion.

200,000 low paid workers have their wages set by the Joint Labour Committee system. As a voter in your constituency, I am requesting that you deliver a message to Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Richard Burton TD, that the starting point for any reform of the system has to be the independent Duffy/Walsh Review.

I am very concerned about the agenda for the forthcoming consultation on the reform of JLC. Specifically, it is clear that the Minister’s proposals go far beyond the recommendations proposed by the independent Duffy/Walsh Review. What was the point of going through the review process – in which the views of all parties were considered – if that then is to be put to one side and supplanted by a different set of proposals.

This matter is vitally important to me and my family and I expect that you will act swiftly and decisively to ensure any review occurs through the correct channels and works to protect the wage rates and terms and conditions of low paid workers in your constituency and right across the country.

Yours Sincerely,
Derek McKenna

........................................................................................................................
Dear `Derek,
Thank you for your email in relation to your concerns over recent developments regarding the Duffy Walsh review and proposals published by Minister Richard Bruton.

Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin replying for the Government told the Dail that there would be no pre-determined outcome of the review and that while Minister Bruton’s views would be taken on board, any decision arising from this would be taken on a whole-government basis, and only after the social partners had been consulted.

You may also be aware that after the Labour intervention, the Taoiseach referred to Minister Bruton’s proposals in terms of being part of a “personal agenda”.

The Programme for Government, makes a firm commitment to reform the Joint Labour Committee structure. The first step of that reform is to consider the Duffy Walsh report, and the government must be given time and space to complete the consultation with the social partners in this regard.

Any suggestion that our economic woes can be tackled by singling out workers who are among the lowest paid is badly misplaced. We saw what happened when the Fianna Fail government tried to do by reducing the minimum wage, a decision that has been reversed by this government, a decision that I very much welcome.
Cutting pay at the lowest end will simply have the effect of disincentivising work, which could result in the more people being driven onto the dole. This is something that be avoided at all costs.

At the end of the day, any decision that might emerge from this process will not be a matter for any individual Minister, but will be a matter for the Government as a whole, having discussed it first, with all the stakeholders.
Regards, Seán Kenny TD
.......................................................................................................................................

I would like to inform you that I was part of a delegation of Labour Party TDs who today meet with Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Enterprise. The meeting was very positive and provided Labour TDs with an opportunity to put forward constructive suggestions as to how reform of the JLC / REA regulatory system could be tackled fairly and equitably.

I welcome the Minister’s indication that he would take our views on board before finalising his proposals.

It is great to hear that you were given the ‘chance’ to air your views to Minister Bruton. I was just curious to know how you voted on the ULA motion on the same issue on Wednesday evening? I appreciate your interest and support on this issue.
Many thanks,

2 comments:

It is the "establishment" that has us in the mess we are in, so I am happy to be "anti-establishment"! By copping on to the real world, do you mean just accepting things as they are? Because if that is what you mean, then no, I won't be 'copping on to it' ! Good day to you sir !

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